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6 Tricks All Curly-Haired Women Should Know

Ask any curly- or afro-haired girl about her styling routine and we reckon you’d be met with a big old sigh. While some straight-haired girls would give their Chanel No.5 for just half the texture of curly hair, it’s difficult to fully appreciate your waves when they’re frazzled from all the straightening and you’re knee-deep in frizz-controlling oil.

From struggling to define each curl and vigorously patting down unwanted volume to trying different detangling techniques, curl friend, we salute you. Keep scrolling to read top tips on how to tame your mane, embrace those waves and feel awesome.

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This means wetting your hair, skipping shampoo and just using conditioner. It sounds ridiculous, but it’s a brilliant strategy for dodging frizz. “Curly hair tends to get very dry, so the extra nourishment works wonders, especially on mega curls,” explains Sian Quinn, artistic team member at Headmasters.

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“Use a T-shirt to dry your hair instead,” Sian says. “It’s less abrasive and will reduce damage.” Its smoothness will also help avoid tangles too. Or try a microfibre hair turban like Soap & Glory Hair Turban (£8).

The way you brush your hair and what you use to do it have a surprising effect on your finished look. Hairbrushes encourage frizz so choose a wide-toothed comb, which sails through curls and prevents breakage.

“Only comb your hair while it’s wet, with conditioner in,” advises Sian. “For detangling, use a Tangle Teezer on the ends then work your way up for less pulling,” she adds.

Yup, we mean a diffuser. They may look like they belong in Julia Roberts’s dressing room circa 1990, but it’s the perfect accessory to enhance curls and add volume. “A diffuser attachment accentuates what’s there—waves become more exaggerated and curls can be made tighter,” Sian explains. Try Babyliss Dry and Curl 2100w Hair Dryer (£20).

Isn’t it cool that you can create an illusion just through colour? For example, to make round face shapes look slimmer, colourists keep hair light at the hair line and go for slightly deeper tones underneath and in the ends. But there are things to watch out for too. “Super-fine highlights will break up your curls and make hair look frizzy,” says Sian. “Try techniques like balayage which covers bigger sections and works with your curls, instead of against them.”

How do you tame and define your girls? Share your tips in the comment box below.